CPS Attorney III

Job Description:
This position will focus primarily on the Texas Family First (TFF) pilot program. This program is designed to prevent children from entering foster care by providing court-ordered services to families to alleviate safety concerns. As per §., Texas Family Code, the program falls under the umbrella of the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), and is currently being offered in the following Community-Based Care (CBC) service areas: Region 1 (Panhandle), Region 2 (Big Country and Texoma), Region 3(b) (Metroplex West), and Region 8(b) (South Central and Hill Country).

The TFF program offers an option for cases where the situation is too risky for traditional Family Based Safety Services (FBSS), but the child(ren) can be kept safely at home with court oversight and evidence-based services. DFPS petitions the court requesting a court order for a case to be referred into TFF services. A judge then decides if TFF services are an appropriate option and, if so, requires the family to participate. DFPS and Community-Based Care service providers are working with the courts to build the new pathway to these family preservation services.

This position provides direct representation in court in legal cases for Child Protective Services. The position provides expertise, guidance and instruction in family law, civil litigation, and agency policy. The position monitors the progress of all Texas Department of Family and Protective Services court cases within the assigned area of responsibility and takes appropriate measures to ensure the timely and appropriate resolution of those cases. The position interacts routinely with caseworkers, supervisors, program directors and program administrators; agency attorneys, county and district attorneys, and opposing counsel; judges; agency clients, witnesses, community professionals, and expert witnesses; and protective services clients and the general public.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected: children, elderly, and people with disabilities, from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS is a qualifying organization for the Service Loan Forgiveness Program. DFPS also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texasaver (k) and Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. As an additional benefit you will receive 12 days of paid annual leave, 12 sick days, and the potential to earn up to four days of administrative leave each year. Your annual paid leave accrual increases as your tenure increases.

Essential Job Functions:
Advises staff on legal matters and interprets laws, regulations, and policies.

Advises county and district attorneys on legal matters, and interprets laws, regulations, and policies.

Provides agency representation in court cases.

Prepares cases for trial and handles the trial on most cases.

Provides legal training to agency staff and the legal community.

Coordinates specialized legal efforts with appropriate experts.

Prepares or supervises the preparation of legal opinions, briefs, legal pleadings, and reports.

Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
Assists in formulating, establishing, and coordinating office systems.

Promotes, monitors, and ensures that respect is demonstrated for cultural diversity.

Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of family law, probate law, guardianship law, elder law, and civil practice.
--Ability to synthesize law, administrative rules, agency policies and goals, and best practice recommendations to reach an appropriate interpretation.
--Ability to convey complex legal ideas and instructions clearly to staff.
--Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships with agency staff and the legal community.

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